Keep User-Generated Content Legal

Keep User-Generated Content Legal

By Terri J. Seligman

Source: iMediaConnections.com

A solid Terms of Use policy can sometimes save an advertiser from getting into dangerous legal territory with user-generated content.

Social networking websites like YouTube and MySpace are popular because they allow computer users to participate in an online community by sharing videos they've created (or found) and by commenting on what has been posted to the site.

Advertisers have started incorporating these same features into their own advertising and promotional campaigns. Some advertisers have created websites or web pages where users are encouraged to submit original content, often as part of a contest. And some advertisers have used user-created content in their own advertising campaigns.

This article addresses some of the legal and business issues that arise when advertisers (and their agencies) solicit and use user-created content on their own websites or third-party sites. Other issues in this space relate to advertiser liability when ads are placed on social networking sites that may contain infringing or defamatory content.

Protect the brand's image
Any time an advertiser allows someone to participate in an advertising campaign, they risk losing control of the brand image. Although there are many customers who genuinely love the product being advertised, there are also customers who relish the chance to disparage a product or company. An advertiser with a participatory website may well want to screen all postings to the site and state this policy in the website's Terms of Use.

False advertising concerns
User-created content can blur the distinction between commercial content (i.e., ads) and noncommercial content (i.e., entertainment and commentary). Noncommercial content is afforded more protection from the First Amendment than commercial content, while commercial content is subject to federal and state advertising laws. These laws require, among other things, that claims be substantiated, that the ad not be false or misleading, that certain disclosures be made and that testimonials and endorsements comply with federal rules.

It's not clear whether user-created content would be considered advertising, but it is certainly possible, particularly if the content contains product claims and appears on the advertiser's own website. So an advertiser who intends to post user-created content on its site should review the content as carefully as it reviews its own ads to make sure it complies with advertising laws. This might mean that some user-created content may have to be edited, so the advertiser's right to do such editing should also be spelled out in the Terms of Use. 

Liability for infringement of third-party rights
If an advertiser posts a user-created video, essay or other content on its site, it should try to limit liability for copyright and trademark infringement, defamation and violation of the right to privacy and publicity. The site's Terms of Use should instruct users to only submit material for which they own all the rights (including the music rights) and provide guidelines for use of trademarks, the names and likenesses of other people and copyrighted materials owned by third parties.

The Terms of Use should also include language indemnifying the advertiser if it is sued for content provided by a user. The advertiser should carefully review all submissions and reserve the right to take down any infringing materials or materials that violate the Terms of Use, particularly since an indemnity from an individual content creator may not provide much protection in the event of a claim.

An open question is whether the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and the Communications Decency Act, two federal laws that provide some protection from liability for copyright infringement and defamation, would apply to an advertiser who solicits user-created content to be posted on its own site or on a third-party site. There is no case law on this subject yet and, as a result, advertisers should be particularly careful about the content they allow to be posted, particularly on their own sites.

License and Terms of Use
An advertiser will want to obtain broad rights to use any user-created content that is submitted. One way to do this is to include in the Terms of Use (that the user must affirmatively accept) language indicating that the user grants to the advertiser the rights to use, copy, edit, publish and distribute the material, in any media, forever, as well as the right to use the user's name, likeness and performance.

Note: Since the law is somewhat unsettled as to whether a complete transfer of the copyright (i.e., a buy-out or exclusive license) can be affected with a click-wrap acceptance, without a physical signature, it is more prudent to get a non-exclusive license to use the materials if obtaining consent online.

Note: Even if the advertiser obtains broad rights to the user-created materials, without any payment obligations, the use of the materials in some media, such as broadcast television commercials, may require payments under talent and other guild collective bargaining agreements.

Finally, advertisers should also bear in mind that since contracts with minors are not enforceable, if they need to obtain significant rights to the materials (for example, to run a user-created video in a commercial) and the creator is a minor, it is important to obtain a parent's consent as well.

Insurance
Most advertisers or their ad agencies have insurance for advertising-related injuries, which would include a lawsuit brought against the advertiser for infringing material contained in an ad. An important question for advertisers and agencies is whether this insurance would cover any claims stemming from the display or use of user-created content. If not, an advertiser or its agency would have to pay the costs of defending such a case, and, in the event of a settlement or a judgment against the advertiser, would also have to pay the settlement costs, damages and fines.

Conclusion
Encouraging users to submit original content can be a very effective way of attracting customers and promoting a product. In addition, an advertiser might end up with material that can be used for a commercial, which in itself could generate media attention. But advertisers need to think about the potential risks associated with such use and take steps to limit liability and develop Terms of Use that clearly convey to users the parameters of the invitation to submit original content.

Terri Seligman is a partner in the Advertising and Promotions Law Group at Loeb & Loeb LLP. Read full bio.
Jill Westmoreland contributed to this article.

 

Yahoo! Study Finds Stage of Illness and Condition Impacts Search Behavior

Yahoo! Study Finds Stage of Illness and Condition Impacts Search Behavior

Sunnyvale CA., May 3, 2007 – Yahoo! Inc., a leading global Internet company, today announced findings from a recent healthcare study examining the intent of consumers searching online for health information across key stages of the lifecycle of an illness. The results show that search behavior differs significantly based on a user’s stage of illness and the condition about which they are searching. Additionally, the study found that consumers become more reliant on search for information about their condition, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications during certain critical stages of their illness.

The study is the second of its kind conducted with Hall and Partners Healthcare to gain insights into the behavior of online healthcare searchers. The first study, “Reach and Engagement,” confirmed that online searchers are more engaged and leverage over 90 percent more information sources than non-searchers, which validated healthcare searchers as a desirable target for marketers. In this new survey, over 12,000 respondents were asked about their search behavior based on their stage in the illness cycle and their specific condition. Among those surveyed, respondents fell into one of five stages of illness within each condition:

• 27% of respondents were Undiagnosed
• 11% of respondents were Diagnosed with an illness but not yet taking a prescription medication
• 24% of respondents were Diagnosed and taking prescription medication with no plans to change
• 13% of respondents were Diagnosed but considering switching their current medication
• 25% of respondents were Diagnosed and considering stopping their current medication

Within each stage, consumers were asked about the type of information they were searching for online as well as more information about their condition, lifestyle modifications, treatment options and different medications they were considering. At each stage, the following key findings and implications about search behavior emerged:

• In the undiagnosed stage, consumers are typically searching because they are experiencing symptoms or are generally concerned about a condition and want to make lifestyle changes. As a result, 38 percent claimed search helped them to make a decision on whether or not to seek medical attention, and 39 percent have seen, or plan to see a doctor. Therefore, marketers have a great opportunity to impact consumer decisions at this critical stage.
• In the diagnosis stage prior to taking a prescription medication, 50 percent of consumers rely heavily on search to determine if taking a medication is right for them. They are searching for information on prevention and lifestyle modifications to defer the need for medication. Consumers at this stage are also looking for general information and interested in learning about medication side effects. Therefore, marketers should ensure this content is available on their branded and unbranded websites.
• For consumers who were diagnosed and taking prescription medication with no plans to change, the findings were most interesting. Although these consumers reported being satisfied with their medication, they were still seeking information on competitor products. Fifty-five percent were searching for information on medication side effects, 53 percent for disease prevention and management, and 42 percent for medication effectiveness. These findings suggest that, although consumers may appear content with their medications, they continue to evaluate other treatment options through search.
• Not surprisingly, consumers who were diagnosed but considering switching medication relied heavily on search, mainly because they think there could be a better medication to suit their needs. Forty percent claimed search played a major role in helping them determine whether or not they should switch medications, and 43 percent were searching for information online as a result of being exposed to an advertisement for another medication. These findings suggest it’s extremely important for marketers to recognize consumers are more likely to be enticed to switch medications in highly advertised categories where they are more likely to see a competitor’s advertisement.
• Finally, for those that were diagnosed and considering stopping their current medication, 54 percent were seeking information on side effects, while 43 percent were searching for information on prevention and lifestyle management. Consumers in this stage are often unhappy with side effects and want to understand alternative options to medication, so it’s important to focus messaging on a medication’s competitive strengths and benefits.

"Whether a consumer is looking online for information about a specific condition, learning about a certain stage of their illness, researching medication side effects, or findings ways to improve their health overall, search is the starting point of that online conversation," said Bonnie Becker, Senior Director of the Pharmaceutical Category for Yahoo! Search Marketing. "In order to reach these consumers and have maximum impact, marketers must not only include search in their overall marketing mix, but also tailor their messages to address consumers’ specific needs and concerns at critical phases during their search."

Yahoo! Search Marketing Press Contact:
Heather Meeker
(714) 580-7761 Cell
hmeeker@yahoo-inc.com  

 

HealthAnswersTV gives marketers more opps to reach patients

HealthAnswersTV gives marketers more opps to reach patients

HealthAnswersTV, a series of lifestyle programs on health topics, will begin airing this summer on the Internet and other video on demand (VOD) platforms offering pharma a new venue to reach a targeted consumer base. The platform, created by HD video company AnswersMedia, will kick off with a series of condition-specific programs that provide consumers with relevant information, as well as a daily broadcast of consumer health news. "This relevant engaging media is a perfect way for pharma to be associated with condition specific information that the consumer needs," Jeff Bohnson, chief executive officer of AnswersMedia tells ePharm5. Next in development will be a series of condition-specific nutrition-based programs entitled "Let's Eat," and a series of discussions from industry leaders on important topics in the industry called "Can We Talk." The shows will be available through major Web sites, portals, cable providers, and other partners. The programs can be sponsored or created for a private label for its syndication partners.

Online asthma management program improves teen health more than Web sites

Online asthma management program improves teen health more than Web sites

According to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine earlier this week, a new online asthma program might help educate urban minority teenagers about their condition and improve their treatment, Reuters Health reports. Researchers tested the Internet program with computers in six Detroit high schools and focused on common problems among teenage asthmatics, including adhering to preventive medication, limiting wheezing attacks, and not smoking. The study found that one year later, the 162 mostly black teens who used the program reported fewer asthma symptoms and missed fewer school days than students who were directed to existing asthma-related Web sites. The participants who used the Web-based program also were less likely to be hospitalized for an asthma attack during the year.

Go to AJRCCM <http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/175/9/888>  to read the abstract.

Experts in Marketing to Boomers Release New Data About Habits and Trends of Women Online

Experts in Marketing to Boomers Release New Data About Habits and Trends of Women Online
Sunday April 29, 7:56 pm ET 
Findings from the First JWT/ThirdAge Joint Research Initiative to be Announced at the Annual Marketing to Women Conference

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ThirdAge Inc. and JWT BOOM will release new findings in the way Boomer women are using the Internet at the 3rd Annual M2W -- The Marketing to Women Conference, being held April 25 and 26, at the Chicago Cultural Center. The first online research study resulting from a new strategic partnership by JWT BOOM and ThirdAge Inc. formed earlier this year was conducted online at www.thirdage.com with approximately 1,100 women 40 years of age and older.

The survey was designed to help marketers better understand the current interests, preferences and habits of Baby Boomer and mid-life women called ThirdAgers, and their use of online media and the Internet. Results reveal compelling new data, according to Sharon Whiteley, CEO of ThirdAge Inc. and Lori Bitter, Senior Partner at JWT BOOM. In addition, research findings bring to light a number of significant differences between these women as they enter different life stages.

"Women Boomers are spending over 15 hours a week on the Internet," according to Lori Bitter, Senior Partner at JWT BOOM. "The stereotype that they're not aggressive Internet users or online shoppers is definitely proving to be incorrect. Our study shows that they're increasingly using the Internet in a variety of ways, from staying in contact with family and friends, to researching products before purchasing offline and actually making purchases online. Surprising to some, the older they are, the longer they are staying online."

Seeking information around health, finding resources and engaging in community inter-actions are also increasing among ThirdAgers. "Over 83% of all respondents are researching or reading content online around health and wellness; not only for themselves, but also for their families," continues Sharon Whiteley. "Further, almost 70% say they would definitely or probably get Health information from their friends. This illustrates the peer word-of-mouth value this dynamic audience holds; one which we have always known," she adds. "ThirdAgers trust people who have walked in their shoes and look at life through empathic lenses."

Both Bitter and Whiteley expressed delight that their new research was being highlighted at the M2W Conference, both believing this event to be the premiere forum for leading-edge marketers genuinely interested in the lucrative women's market. "M2W is produced by PME Enterprises of Hartford, CT, a conference and event company with an outstanding reputation for attracting thought leaders - both in the audience and on stage - and for producing stellar experiences," they added.

"M2W...The Marketing To Women Conference, truly brings the foremost experts in marketing to women together with blue chip brand and agency decision makers providing cutting-edge research, effective solutions and invaluable networking resources. Baby boomer women represent a powerful consumer demographic and a formidable financial force. Our audience wants to know more about them and this new research from JWT BOOM and ThirdAge provides actionable insights," says Nan McCann, president of PME Enterprises LLC, and M2W founder/producer.

ThirdAge Inc. is a leading online, media, marketing and consumer insight company exclusively serving the baby boomer and aging midlife market, people generally in their 40's - 60's. Pioneers in the arena, the site attracts over 500,000 unique visitors a month with a core focus around community based health and wellness content, relationships and life stage transitions.

JWT BOOM is the premier integrated marketing firm specializing in reaching consumers ages 40+. Providing results-driven strategy and execution, JWT BOOM excels at helping clients build profitable and lasting relationships with boomers and mature consumers, the fastest growing and most financially powerful segment in the country.

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5389451

 

PR Newswire to Offer Comprehensive Blog Measurement Tool

PR Newswire to Offer Comprehensive Blog Measurement Tool

Denver - Partnership with Umbria gives communications professionals a sophisticated tool to track blogosphere discussions and measure how messages resonate among consumers 

New York and Boulder, Colo., May 2, 2007/PR Newswire/-- PR Newswire today announced a partnership with Umbria, a market intelligence company that specializes in blog research and consumer generated media (CGM) for market insight, to provide clients with a comprehensive blog measurement tool that allows them to assess the impact of online consumer conversations about their company, products and brands.

PR Newswire’s MediaSense™ Blog Measurement, as the service is called, uses Umbria’s proprietary technology, and allows PR Newswire clients to track blog conversations around a press release or a news topic, and monitor how these conversations grow and wane. Umbria’s patent-pending technology is unique in how it analyzes blogosphere discussions and provides a graphical assessment of the conversation tone and participant demographics.

“The advent of citizen-generated media has both delighted and confounded public relations professionals,” said Dave Armon, chief operating officer, PR Newswire. “As the leading communications service provider for corporate, government and public policy PR officers, PR Newswire views bloggers and their readers as additional key audiences, and this new tool provides our customers with actionable feedback on how their messages are resonating with audiences in the blogosphere, which is 75 million blogs strong and growing.” 

MediaSense™ Blog Measurement helps customers determine which consumer segments are most engaged in a discussion, enabling them to better understand their target markets and tailor their communications strategies accordingly. It can be used to evaluate the response in the blogosphere for short-term events, such as product launches or tradeshow participation, or to collect ongoing feedback throughout the year.

“Bloggers are thought leaders and opinion-shapers, so tracking who and how quickly they pick up on various news items has become critical for brand and PR professionals,” said Howard Kaushansky, president of Umbria. “If it’s positive, you want to know. If it’s a mushroom cloud of negativity, you definitely need to know. This partnership gives that knowledge to PR Newswire clients.”

MediaSense™ Blog Measurement, a subscription-based service, provides users with:

·         Quantitative and qualitative analysis of how their messages are resonating in the blogosphere, including the number of blog posts on a given press release topic, and the demographic profile of that conversation (male/female; Gen Y, Gen X, Baby Boomer).

·         Reports that indicate if the traffic on a particular discussion is increasing or decreasing, as well as if new voices have entered the conversation or if the discussion is dying down. 

 “Companies spend enormous energy and effort trying to get messages out to their markets, and historically, the only way to measure the success has been to track how many articles are written as a result,” said Janet Eden-Harris, CEO of Umbria. “This new service is a breakthrough in focusing on the consumer discussions that are generated. Is it being discussed? If so, is it positive? What demographic groups are talking the most?”

The new MediaSense™ Blog Measurement service complements a groundbreaking relationship PR Newswire forged in early January with Technorati that enables readers of press releases issued over PR Newswire to have one-click access to blogs that are discussing and linking to a press release, directly from the press release itself.

In addition to its first-of-its-kind partnerships with Umbria and Technorati, PR Newswire has taken the following steps to date to help communications professionals communicate with leading bloggers:

• Incorporated bloggers into its media-only Web site, PR Newswire for Journalists
• Created more than 500 subject and industry RSS feeds of customers’ press releases for access by bloggers
• Invited bloggers to post to the ProfNet Experts network
• Profiled leading bloggers in MEDIAtlas, PR Newswire’s online media database
• Monitored blogs to report on where keywords are appearing through the US1 Media Monitoring and eWatch monitoring services

 “With the introduction of MediaSense™ Blog Measurement, we are taking the obvious next step in providing a full-spectrum of blog communications tools,” said Armon.

Two years ago, PR Newswire brought media evaluation to the masses by introducing the first comprehensive, yet truly affordable media measurement tool, MediaSense. Today, hundreds of organizations spanning dozens of industries rely on MediaSense to provide comprehensive evaluation of their media coverage.

MediaSense™ Blog Measurement can be purchased in conjunction with, or separate from, MediaSense. MediaSense analyzes content from print and online publications and can be deployed over any 90-day period or utilized throughout the course of a full year on an annual subscription. Reports are delivered monthly and contain an evaluation of media coverage based upon several measures including volume of coverage, coverage by media type, tonality (positive, negative, neutral), the presence of key corporate messages within articles, the overall quality of coverage based upon an article’s length, placement, publication type and tone, and the equivalent ad value. Metrics are evaluated based upon comparison to a company’s key competitors, while also offering an unbiased assessment of how a company is portrayed in the press. 

NBA Enters Second Life

NBA Enters Second Life

How hip is the National Basketball Association? After signing a deal with Google to host its highlights on YouTube, the NBA enlisted the services of virtual-world content creator Electric Sheep to build an NBA headquarters in Second Life. It's cool looking and interactive.

Whereas Second Lifers might head over to the Reuters or CNET headquarters and then never return -- is there anything to actually do there? -- the NBA playground has games and features designed to bring people back. Electric Sheep, which has worked for several big brands in Second Life, created the HQ and its activities, which includes a 3-D simulation of NBA games in progress. Users sit in the stands and are able to change their viewpoint with ease, unlike real life. They can also to take to the courts to play a game of H.O.R.S.E.

The partnership could also be a boon to Second Life, too, as NBA fans will now be able to join from the NBA.com Web site. The virtual playground, which is now open, is sponsored by T-Mobile, Toyota and Cisco Systems. Call it NBA Media, Inc.: "This is an area we find to be very exciting," league commissioner David Stern said. "It's causing us to rethink overall the concept of how our fans consume NBA content." The conference call was even broadcast in Second Life.

Read the whole story... <http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.san&forwarddg=1&art_aid=59687&Nid=29980&p=212886> 

Blogging hits corporate world

Blogging hits corporate world The Times of India via NewsEdge Corporation : NEW DELHI: Expressing anguish over Manu Sharma's acquittal or taking up cudgels on behalf of Chaman Lal Mattoo, blogs have become an important medium for middle class India to express its ire against the state's inability to punish the rich and well-heeled. But now, marketers are looking at blogs as a powerful social media. Corporate blogging activity is either internal (where they are used as a collaborative tool among employees to share inputs) or external (as a medium of interaction with customers). Most importantly, communication with stakeholders is direct and two-way. For example, HLL's SunSilkGangofGirls is a community-driven portal whose blogging feature is a hit with users. Infosys also has a corporate blog, 'Think Flat', launched last year after CEO Nandan Nilekani had discussions with Stephen Pratt, head of its consulting unit. Contributors include Infosys board members, unit heads and executives. A company spokesperson says, "In this forum, we share our perspectives with our clients and other business professionals. The blog enables us to have a dialogue, instead of simply publishing our perspectives to clients." Says Rajesh Lalwani, founder, Blogworks,"Increasingly, corporations too are keeping track of blogs as they want to know what is being said about their company online." That's because online search and word of mouth (for product reviews) is becoming the norm every day. "Users wanting to know more about a company need not rely on the company website alone. There are other online sources as well," explains Lalwani. His company provides strategic solutions to brands and corporations wanting to use this medium effectively. Reliance Communications too launched Mblog, its mobile blogging service, sometime back. Reliance users can transmit images, videos and thoughts by posting the content from their mobiles. Over 50,000 people have used this service so far. "Right now, only a niche segment (geeks and nerds) use our service. But blogs are directly linked with the growth of multi-media messaging. Blogs will drive MMS usage,"predicts Krishna Durbha, head, business and marketing, value added services, Reliance Communications. There is also a celebrity cult attached with blogging. In countries like the US, many CEOs and leaders have started writing their own blogs. Says Rajeev Karwal, founder, Milagrow Business and Knowledge Solutions, "Blogs are an effective medium of transferring knowledge to junior and middle-level executives." This former president of Reliance Retail started his blog last August. Karwal says he wants to reach out to middle and junior management executives this way. "Many middle-level executives pass through professional mid-life crisis. Through my blog, I want to redefine the meaning of success. It's not just fame, power and fortune that connote success. Personal success (with family and friends) is equally important," he states. But corporate blogging has its perils too. Says Pavan Duggal, advocate,"Many blogs are invariably located in servers outside India and corporations have no control over them. There is danger of washing dirty linen in public. After all, a blog is a public diary. Trade secrets can be unintentionally revealed in a public domain." <<The Times of India -- 03/19/07>>

Cancer Goes Viral for Young Adults

Cancer Goes Viral for Young Adults

Business Wire via NewsEdge Corporation :

Business Editors/Health Editors BROOKLYN, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 2007--Two new support websites have harnessed the power of social media and are rapidly changing the way that adolescents and young adults (AYA) affected by cancer deal with the disease, socially network and benefit from trusted content.

Launched by Steps For Living in December, 2006, www.ImTooYoungForThis.org and its MySpace counterpart, http://www.MySpace.com/ImTooYoungForThis, are part of a progressive, hip new youth culture brand, i(2)y, that is bridging a critical communications gap for the AYA cancer community. These one-stop portals facilitate social networking and engender community wealth by connecting the dots between patient, provider and psychosocial support programs and services. Visitors to the sites gain unprecedented access to credentialed, peer-developed directories of AYA support organizations, forums, blogs, chat rooms, advocacy tools, camp retreats and more.

"The convergence of social media with cancer advocacy, coupled with recent polling data about AYA consumer trends, demands new models in survivorship programming for the youth cancer culture," said Matthew Zachary, founder and executive director of Steps For Living and an 11-year young adult survivor of pediatric brain cancer. "Within a week of our MySpace launch, we had 450 friends and a wellspring of subsequent web hits. We're meeting a real need as access to vetted and trustworthy content is tantamount to resource literacy and increased quality of life."

Since it's launch, i(2)y has spawned an affiliate network of over 110 cancer treatment centers, including Dana Farber, MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, Sloan Kettering and St. Jude, along with chapters of The American Cancer Society and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, all of whom distribute i(2)y literature, promoting the site and it's content to their AYA populations.

"We are excited about this project," says Barbara Jones, PhD, MSW, President of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers. "Not only does i(2)y have the potential to empower adolescents and young adults with cancer, it can assist pediatric oncology social workers in supporting their young patients through patient education and provider resource literacy."

Steps For Living has launched a capital campaign to underwrite development for upscaling the i(2)y website to include tagging, user comments, five-star ratings and tie-ins to existing social media. The organization is also investigating a cause-brand alliance with a corporate partner to develop an i(2)y documentary film and distribute free copies of an i(2)y benefit CD to survivors.

Steps For Living is a progressive nonprofit communications, support and social advocacy agent for adolescents and young adults with cancer. Our mission is to increase quality of life for this population by connecting them with trusted and credible cancer survivorship tools, including social networks, peer support programs and psychosocial resources. Our goal is to create lasting change in how the public relates to cancer. For more information visit StepsForLiving.org.

Note to Editors: Throughout this release, the brand name i(2)y is surrounded by parenthesis and should be read as brackets. It may not appear as such in databases.

Survey shows health information search level impacted by age

Survey shows health information search level impacted by age

Source: ePharm5(tm)
To receive these articles and others like it, click the link below to sign up for a FREE 30-day trial.
http://www.epharm5.com/aboutepharm.cfm?s=EN55651A 

Interest and willingness to learn about health and healthcare online is high across gender, political party affiliation, and ideology, but not age, according to a survey of 800 registered voters. Those aged 65 and older are significantly different from the rest of the population in terms of their interest in pursuing further medical information online. A recent survey by American Survey finds that 79% of those surveyed report that they would seek additional online information after receiving a diagnosis from a doctor. However, according to an editorial in the Washington Times about the survey, the numbers drastically change when broken down by age. When voters aged 65 years and older were asked that same question, 48% report going online for healthcare information, versus 75% of voters aged 55 to 64. In the future, the numbers will even out, because as the age groups move up, they will take the higher percentages with them. In the short term, however, any policy initiatives should include outreach and educational programs to those more than 65 to reduce their reluctance to go online for health information, says the Washington Times report.

Internet health info facilitates doctor-patient relationships

Internet health info facilitates doctor-patient relationships

Source: ePharm5(tm)
To receive these articles and others like it, click the link below to sign up for a FREE 30-day trial.
http://www.epharm5.com/aboutepharm.cfm?s=EN55651A 

The National Cancer Institute recently studied how consumer access to online heath information can change patients' perceptions of their doctors. Cancer patients who are just beginning to use the Internet to find information distrust their doctor's advice, but the more often patients used online information services, the more satisfied they became with their doctor's care. In other words, the more they learn, the more they trust, because the information online ends up validating physicians' advice. Therefore, referring patients to high quality information about their illness on the Internet may improve the doctor-patient relationship, according to the authors of the study. The Center for Connected Health is one of the few health institutions attempting this kind of doctor-patient extension, and so far it reports good results. Cleveland Clinic also is using blogs and podcasts in teaching scenarios and is looking at using them to deliver timely information to the doctor at the bedside, but has yet to incorporate physician-patient interaction. Go to HINTS for more information on the report.

User-Generated Content Delivers More Bang for Your Online Marketing Buck According to Study From BlueLithium Labs

User-Generated Content Delivers More Bang for Your Online Marketing Buck According to Study From BlueLithium Labs

Market Wire via NewsEdge Corporation :

SAN JOSE, CA, April 24 / MARKET WIRE/ --

On average, user-generated content (UGC) sites provide a lower cost per conversion than non-UGC sites. That's the surprising finding from a new study published today by BlueLithium Labs, the research division of ad network BlueLithium.

Questions about the brand risk of running ads within or adjacent to user-generated content have been debated extensively in the advertising trade press. However the issue of whether user-generated content Web sites perform as well as editorial Web sites for marketers has not been explored. BlueLithium had, in fact, received queries from its own marketing clients regarding the price performance of UGC vs. non-UGC Web sites, so to help answer that question for its clients, the company undertook a thorough, unbiased, nine-month quantitative study.

BlueLithium Labs analyzed the performance of campaigns that included 716 ads and more than 1.7 billion ad impressions between August 2006 and April 2007. The study focused on two key factors: the number of conversions registered for each campaign and the cost of the media. "Conversions" included a range of actions such as completing an online purchase, registering for a program, signing up for a service or requesting more information. By dividing the number of actions by the cost of the media, the study arrived at a "cost per conversion" for each campaign. It's this "cost per conversion" that marketers use to determine the bottom line effectiveness of any media, and thus the metric that was used to evaluate the effectiveness of UGC vs. non-UGC sites.

When comparing ads shown on non-UGC sites to UGC sites, the ads shown on non-UGC sites had a 32 percent higher conversion rate. However, due to the lower cost of advertising on UGC sites, the cost per conversion for non-UGC sites was 58 percent higher. Therefore, on average, UGC sites generally provide a considerably lower cost per conversion.

In the second phase of the study, BlueLithium Labs tested non-UGC sites from the comScore top 250 against the same group of UGC sites tested in Phase I. The comScore top 250 is a list compiled by comScore Media Metrix reflecting the 250 highest trafficked Web sites in the U.S. The study showed that the conversion rate of ads shown on non-UGC sites from the comScore top 250 was 175 percent higher as compared to UGC sites. However, given the significantly lower cost of the UGC media, the non-UGC comScore 250 sites have 7 percent higher cost per conversion as compared to UGC sites.

"Marketers are interested in social media but there have been no quantitative studies of the performance differences conducted by research houses," said Dakota Sullivan, CMO of BlueLithium. "Based on the results of this study, we believe that UGC is worth exploring, since it appears to provide a better place to invest your advertising dollars to drive conversions. However, since performance varied across sites and categories of advertiser, make sure that you work with a network to test various messages on different types of sites to see what works best for your specific product or service."

Note: Please contact blast! PR for the complete study.

About BlueLithium:

Based in San Jose, CA, BlueLithium is the leading data driven performance marketing company, using data from 130 million consumers worldwide, sophisticated analytics and advanced ad targeting technologies to create value for both publishers and marketers. Founded in 2004, the company was named 2006 Innovator of the Year by AlwaysOn and has been named one of the top 100 private companies in America for three consecutive years. For more information, visit www.bluelithium.com.

Brand Website Trust Index Identifies and Rates Credibility Factors

Brand Website Trust Index Identifies and Rates Credibility Factors

Durham, NC – April 18, 2007 — Phoenix Marketing International, one of the fastest growing marketing services firms in the United States, announced today the results of research that quantifies consumers’ confidence in information on pharmaceutical websites. Their work also ranks each site’s trustworthiness against those of competitors. The research was conducted for a large pharmaceutical company by Phoenix Marketing’s recent acquisition, Johnston, Zabor, McManus, Inc. (JZM).

“The image of the pharmaceutical industry has declined over the past decade. Both consumers and professionals distrust the intentions and motivations of pharmaceutical companies, and they have little confidence in the information that the companies provide with the intention of being helpful,” stated Scott Brown, Ph.D., vice president of product development at JZM.

“A leading pharma manufacturer launched several web sites that were designed both to raise consumer awareness of products and product benefits and to enhance cross-channel sales efforts. The company asked JZM to analyze the effectiveness of those web sites. Their goal was to engender a more trusting relationship through the use of branded sites.”

Through its research JZM identified and ranked the factors that contribute to a sense of trustworthiness in visitors to web sites. The company also developed a summary index score, which the client may use to measure the performance of its branded web sites relative to an industry norm.

“The site visitors we interviewed told us the best way to earn their trust is to present accurate, current, and unbiased information in an easy-to-understand manner, “explained Brown. “An interesting note is that sites that discussed chronic conditions were rated as more trustworthy than sites for life-threatening conditions,” he added.

About Phoenix Marketing International
Founded in 1999, Phoenix Marketing International is one of the fastest growing marketing services firms in the United States and partner of many of the largest companies in the financial services, consumer package goods, automotive, healthcare, and travel and leisure industries worldwide. Phoenix also offers advanced advertising and brand measurement along with direct marketing expertise. Phoenix has offices in New York City, Rhinebeck (NY), Somerset (NJ), Detroit, Boston, Salisbury (MD), Chicago, Los Angeles, Tampa, Durham, (NC), and Miami. On January 12th Phoenix acquired a major interest in JZM, a full service healthcare market research company, to serve as the foundation of its new healthcare practice.

Phoenix offers a unique combination of industry expertise, methods and consulting services, combining primary and syndicated marketing research expertise with database analytics and modelling proficiency. Applying this information assists clients in improving profit dynamics of their business. For more information please visit www.phoenixmi.com.

About JZM
Johnston, Zabor, McManus, Inc. (JZM), a Division of Phoenix Marketing International, provides business solutions through research. Our goal is to bring value to you and your organization through our strategic application of marketing, relationship, and communication research. JZM combines a high level of industry-based expertise with sophisticated research competencies and projective modeling by applying a “consultant” approach to business problem resolution.

JZM is a full service marketing research firm that offers a comprehensive range of research services for the management of new product discovery, development, positioning and launch. We link that knowledge with insight into the management of customer relationships to provide total market vision. Our goal is to enhance confidence in management decision making. For more information please visit www.jzm.com.

Kristin Cavallari Takes Camera Into Her Own Hands for RealityLASIK Docu-Drama Premiering Online Today

Kristin Cavallari Takes Camera Into Her Own Hands for RealityLASIK Docu-Drama Premiering Online Today
Tuesday May 1, 10:00 am ET

source: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070501/latu030.html?.v=98

'Real Eye' Series Follows Actress' Pursuit of 20/20 Vision - A Reality Shared by Millions Each Year

LOS ANGELES, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- What do you get when you mix a reality TV crew, four handheld digital camcorders, and an eye surgeon-to-the-stars, with a TV beauty's pursuit of 20/20 vision and one innovative company willing to document it all? You get the breakthrough online docu-drama RealityLASIK, which documents Kristin Cavallari's pursuit of the latest in vision correction surgery and her decision to ultimately undergoing Advanced CustomVue(TM) LASIK with the IntraLase Method(TM).

The online series, underwritten and produced by Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) (NYSE: EYE - News), the company behind the advanced blade-free LASIK procedure, premieres today at www.realityLASIK.com. It is the first docu-drama to use a reality show format as the vehicle for not only entertaining, but also educating viewers about the popular vision correction surgery.

"Kristin had made the decision to have LASIK surgery and approached us with the idea of documenting her own experience as a fun way to speak to her fans and others considering the procedure," said Lauren Kanner, AMO's global director of consumer market development. "The medical industry is always looking for ways to earn the public's trust. The very nature of a reality-based program is to draw the audience in, and we thought this was an engaging opportunity for people to live the LASIK surgery experience through Kristin's eyes, not ours."

Cavallari added, "I am a person with real questions, fears, and ultimately, extreme elation with the end result. AMO gave me the freedom to tell my story, on my terms, with my own friends and family using my own cameras."

Reality crews follow Kristin Cavallari's every LASIK move over a one month time span, capturing her first doctor's visit, the advanced blade-free LASIK procedure itself performed by renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Robert Maloney, and the subsequent post-op visits. The 8-episode docu-drama also catches Kristin in candid, confessional moments -- some filmed by close friends and family and some by herself with the use of four digital camcorders. The reality series also includes a companion blog and audiocast of her experience.

RealityLASIK: Beauty Real-EYE-zed

The first episode opens with Kristin entering her management offices to pitch the concept for an online reality journal. The concept is met with much enthusiasm around the room as she details her desire to reach out to her fans and other young people.

"My frustration with my vision began in sixth grade with my first pair of glasses and didn't get any better with my first pair of contacts two years later," said Cavallari. "No matter how you look at it, glasses and contacts are a huge inconvenience, especially when you're young."

Episode 2 will debut one week later with one episode rolling out each week.

Real-EYE-Dramas Acted out Daily Nationwide

Millions struggle with the hassle of contacts and glasses. Yet most don't realize that the likelihood of a serious sight-threatening complication from contact lenses is five times greater than LASIK, according to a recent study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology (Mathers, et. al., Oct. 2006). The size of the U.S. Gen Y population is estimated at 76 million. (Fast Company, Jan./Feb. 2006).

"People in their 20s are the ideal candidates for LASIK. Not only will they enjoy great vision for decades to come, but they will preserve the health of their eyes by eliminating continual contact lens wear," said Dr. Maloney. "Kristin really represents a generation that is comfortable and savvy enough to seek the most advanced technologies, such as Advanced CustomVue LASIK with the IntraLase Method, to meet the demands of their lifestyles."

Dr. Maloney continued, "By having LASIK surgery earlier in life, this generation also will save tens of thousands of dollars in glasses, contact lenses, solutions and continual follow-up care." Given the cost of contacts, ever-changing glasses prescriptions and follow-up care, some people can recoup the cost of LASIK in less than three years. Flexible financing plans can make this a realistic, affordable option for young people.

Casting Call

In conjunction with the docu-drama's premiere, AMO also is launching a nationwide contest for people to submit their own videos, audiocasts and blog entries, documenting their own experience having Advanced CustomVue LASIK using the IntraLase Method. Experiences can be submitted in the form of a video, audio or diary entry to www.RealityLASIK.com. One winner will be selected each month through December 31, 2007 and awarded $5,000. For a complete list of contest rules please visit www.RealityLASIK.com.

RealityLASIK Credits:

Starring Kristin Cavallari

Kristin Cavallari is known for her role several years ago on the MTV Reality TV series Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. She was one of several women who had their real life captured on the reality TV show, as she progressed from a high school junior in the first season to a senior in the second season of the show. Kristin's friends and family also appear in the RealityLASIK docu-drama including her mom, best friend, manager and beloved dog.

Ophthalmologist: Dr. Robert K. Maloney

Robert K. Maloney, MD, MA (Oxon), is a former Rhodes scholar and Summa Cum Laude graduate of Harvard University. He completed his education at Oxford University and John Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Maloney was the first surgeon in western North America to perform LASIK surgery as part of the original FDA clinical trials. He is clinical professor of ophthalmology at UCLA and director of the Maloney Vision Institute in West Los Angeles, Calif. Dr. Maloney has personally performed more than 50,000 vision-correction procedures and has been interviewed by the Discovery Channel, the Learning Channel, Extra, 20/20, Prime Time Live, PBS's Life and Times, and CNN's the World Today. He also has been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers.

The Procedure: Advanced CustomVue(TM) LASIK with the IntraLase Method(TM)

The Advanced CustomVue laser vision correction procedure stands in a class of its own with the broadest range of FDA-approved indications. When combined with the power and precision of the IntraLase Method, the Advanced CustomVue represents the most advanced LASIK procedure available to patients today. The IntraLase FS laser, the first technology for a blade-free LASIK procedure, replaces the handheld microkeratome blade historically used in creating LASIK corneal flaps -- the first step of the procedure -- with a computer guided, ultra-fast femtosecond (fem-to-second) laser. The IntraLase laser virtually eliminates the majority of the most severe sight-threatening LASIK complications related to use of the microkeratome and, by creating an optimal corneal surface below the flap, provides for better visual outcomes -- taking patients to 20/20 vision and beyond. More than one million LASIK procedures using the IntraLase Method have been performed.

Executive Producers: Advanced Medical Optics (AMO)

AMO develops advanced, life-improving vision technologies for people of all ages. Products in the cataract/implant line include intraocular lenses (IOLS), phacoemulsification systems, viscoelastics, and related products used in ocular surgery. AMO owns or has the rights to such product brands as ReZoom®, Tecnis®, Clariflex®, Sensar®, and Verisyse(TM) IOLs, Sovereign® and Sovereign® Compact(TM) phacoemulsification systems with WhiteStar® technology, Healon® viscoelastics, and the Baerveldt® glaucoma shunt. Products in the laser vision correction line include wavefront diagnostic devices, femtosecond lasers and associated patient interface devices, and excimer laser vision correction systems and treatment cards. AMO brands in the laser vision correction business include Star S4 IR(TM), WaveScan Wavefront®, CustomVue(TM), IntraLase (TM), IntraLase Method(TM) and IntraLasik(TM). Products in the contact lens care line include disinfecting solutions, enzymatic cleaners and lens rewetting drops. Among the eye care product brands the company possesses are COMPLETE Moisture PLUS®, COMPLETE® Blink-N-Clean®, Consept®F, Consept® 1 Step, Oxysept® 1 Step, UltraCare®, Ultrazyme®, Total Care(TM) and blink(TM) branded products. AMO is based in Santa Ana, California, and employs approximately 4,200 worldwide. The company has operations in 24 countries and markets products in approximately 60 countries. For more information, visit the company's Website at www.amo-inc.com.

MED AD NEWS 2007: Ignite Health profile

Ignite Health

 

WINNER — BEST PATIENT DIGITAL CAMPAIGN

by Med Ad News Staff

Going into its sixth year, Ignite Health is celebrating another year of double-digit growth. Agency revenue for 2006 grew 33%, up from $11 million in 2005 to $15 million in 2006, with a three-fold increase during the past four years. Three new account wins and additional business from existing clients made 2006 another banner year for the agency.

In February 2007, inVentiv Health Inc. (inventivhealth.com) signed a definitive deal to acquire Ignite. Ignite will operate under the inVentiv Communications division, which provides a full suite of integrated health-care marketing and communications solutions.

Most of Ignite’s business in 2006 came from direct-to-patient interactive assignments, reflecting a concerted effort to solidify the agency’s branding initiatives. In early 2006, Ignite strengthened its focus on educating people living with chronic diseases and those that care for them, allowing clients to create messages that link all parties, including those who influence, prescribe, purchase, or use health-care products.

To underscore this focus, Ignite launched a new corporate Website in September, ignitehealth.com. The site spotlights video clips of real patients speaking out on HIV, hepatitis, diabetes, breast cancer, and cataracts, and offers their personal insights and provides educational information about their conditions and treatments. The site has won a number of awards, including the WWW Health Awards Best of Show in the Most Innovative category. "To stress our commitment to this patient-centered strategy, we deliberately put patients up front, allowing information on the agency’s services, clients, awards, and press appearances to take a back seat," says Jackie Herr, CEO.

This year’s accomplishments
2006 brought recognition from all quarters for Ignite’s creativity and innovations, particularly on the digital scene. Ignite garnered 17 honors in five separate competitions. In addition to the WWW Health Awards, Ignite won honors at the MM&M Awards, the Web Awards, the AdWeek Daveys, and the Freddies.

Building on its reputation and success in the fields of ophthalmology, oncology, infectious disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental illness, and cystic fibrosis, Ignite generated substantial organic growth from some of its long-standing clients, including Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. (amylin.com), Bausch & Lomb Inc. (bausch.com), Cephalon Inc. (cephalon.com), Genomic Health Inc. (genomichealth.com), Gilead Sciences Inc. (gilead.com), and Eli Lilly and Co. (lilly.com). Three new business wins came from Bayer Health (bayerhealth.com), Ovation Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ovationpharma.com), and Valeant Pharmaceuticals (valeant.com).

Among Ignite’s major undertakings in 2006 was the creation of Incendia Health Studios, which develops and distributes unbranded disease-education content for millions of people who use the Internet and other digital technologies to seek and share information on chronic diseases. Incendia (incendiahealth.com) uses the power of new and emerging technology to provide engaging health information tailored to the specific needs and interests of vast numbers of people. Incendia’s main objective is to serve patients and caregivers affected by chronic diseases — people who are, in essence, the agency’s "clients." Managers say this mission of serving consumers first and foremost has made Incendia the first and only purpose-driven media company in the field of chronic disease education.

Incendia projects are funded by advertising, sponsorships, and grants but will not promote specific products or services. Among the programs developed by Incendia are Live With It, BannerMoments.com, and HepB.tv.

Winner of the 2007 Best Patient Digital Campaign Manny Award, Live With It (livewithit.com) includes a series of short animations that uses reality-based storylines to follow the lives of fictional characters learning to deal with the fact that they are HIV-positive. The first-of-its-kind series examines the emotional aspects of each character’s journey and uses a mix of nontraditional media — a Website, podcasts, blogs, a message board, partnership agreements, and merchandising — to extend its reach to a broad audience.

BannerMoments.com is an interactive Website designed to create a growing online circle of support for women with breast cancer. The site offers visitors a proprietary tool, developed by Incendia, that allows them to create personal Web banners to express individual messages about their fight against breast cancer. The banners appear on the BannerMoments site permanently and are designed to trigger discussions of breast cancer from many points of view. Incendia will soon be expanding this concept to other disease states.

HepB.tv is an online interactive TV network for hepatitis B patients. Visitors can watch a variety of educational programs, join discussions with other viewers, and obtain critical information on hepatitis B for themselves or to share with others. The site offers video clips, community forums, blogs, chat rooms, and advice from prominent medical specialists in the field.

Structure and services
Building upon last year’s reorganization, the agency has solidified its management structure and enhanced its ability to service accounts. Ignite’s management team includes Ms. Herr; Tim Riley, chief marketing officer; Rich Fair, chief creative officer; and Fabio Gratton, chief innovation officer; all founding partners.

Ms. Herr is responsible for corporate, operational, and financial management. Mr. Riley heads up new business and joint venture development. Mr. Fair is overseeing art and copy for all agency print and electronic projects. Mr. Gratton is in charge of developing new technologies to enhance Ignite’s service offerings. Mr. Gratton is also president, Incendia Health Studios.

With expertise in the fields of oncology, infectious disease, and ophthalmology, Ignite specializes in chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system, and cystic fibrosis. Although continuing to provide clients with traditional ad agency services, Ignite made a deliberate decision in 2006 to focus on Internet-based patient-education initiatives.

"Our foundation is built on in-depth knowledge of disease states and science behind treatments, and we have a comprehensive understanding of Internet innovations that help build brand loyalty and grow disease awareness, education, and compliance," Mr. Riley says.

Beyond traditional e-marketing programs, Ignite reaches out to grassroots groups that help shape and refine the agency’s creative solutions and recommendations. This includes working closely with advocacy groups and thought leaders and monitoring the trends and buzz created by patients, health-care professionals, and legislators, keeping the agency in close contact with trend-setters in health care and the Internet. Ignite creates customized grassroots programs for its clients, including social networking initiatives within branded and unbranded sites, incorporating blogs, message boards, and word-of-mouth marketing efforts.

Ignite points to its West Coast location as a boon to its focus on electronic communications, attracting talent nationwide and from client converts.

Future plans
The agency plans to continue its expansion of patient-focused education. Although growth is a top priority, Ms. Herr says Ignite will continue to maintain the principles that have fueled its growth: the quality of its work, ability to service its accounts and integrate advances in the e-healthcare space, and demonstrated results.

YouTube Expands Demographic Data Reporting

YouTube will significantly expand the amount of demographic data it collects on those viewing videos on the site later this year, reports AdAge. The plans were laid out by YouTube CMO Suzie Reider at the Advertising Research Foundation's Rethink conference in New York. Reider says by the third quarter of this year YouTube will be able to report on video views and other metrics, numbers sure to be of interest to marketers. YouTube does not yet have a chief of research but will be running a user survey in the near future.

 

Mochila Launches Branded Video Player

Media marketplace Mochila has unveiled a media player publishers can brand and put on their site, reports MediaPost. The AdMatch Player allows publishers to display video, text or pictures on their site in a player they brand specifically for that site. Content is fed to the players automatically based on defined interests by the publisher via feeds. Ads - again, based on publisher preference - are then fed to the player. Revenue from those ads is split between the buyer, Mochila and the content owner. Mochila brings video in from a number of partners across the web. Ads are served by 24/7 Real Media, Quigo, Tacoda and Broadband Enterprises.

After Much Speculation, MySpace Launches News Site

Social network MySpace took a plunge into the news business with a new site where users define what qualifies as news, reports the Associated Press. MySpace News uses the same sort of community voting mechanisms that have made Digg, the relaunched Netscape and others so popular. News items are automatically grabbed by the site's spiders but then MySpace users decide what makes the front page of each of the 25 sections. Publishers who do not want their material indexed by the site can opt out of participation. The technology powering the site was developed by Newroo, which News Corp. bought in early 2006 and executives from that company are still with MySpace/News Corp. TechCrunch has screenshots from the site, which just launched in beta form yesterday.

Novo Nordisk behind ACP Web tool to enhance diabetes care

Novo Nordisk behind ACP Web tool to enhance diabetes care

Source: ePharm5(tm)
To receive these articles and others like it, click the link below to sign up for a FREE 30-day trial.
http://www.epharm5.com/aboutepharm.cfm?s=EN55651A 

New diabetes educational tools, including a free portal, are the result of a three-year effort funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Novo Nordisk. The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American College of Physicians Foundation (ACPF) created the tools for ACP members, other healthcare professionals on clinical practice teams, and their patients. The diabetes portal is a free Web-based resource for physicians and patients that provides tools, resources, and research supporting diabetes care. Clinicians can search for information under the headings of quality improvement, practice issues, and clinical topics. Information and links are updated regularly, providing clinicians and patients with the latest evidence-based guidance.

View the portal. http://diabetes.acponline.org/

Pain foundation, Lilly sponsor site for treating diabetic pain

Pain foundation, Lilly sponsor site for treating diabetic pain

Source: ePharm5(tm)
To receive these articles and others like it, click the link below to sign up for a FREE 30-day trial.
http://www.epharm5.com/aboutepharm.cfm?s=EN55651A 

Results from a Harris Interactive survey of more than 600 physicians who treat diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, or diabetic nerve pain, reveal that nearly all (97%) believe that the condition is often misdiagnosed. Overall, findings from the survey, sponsored by the National Pain Foundation (NPF) and Eli Lilly, suggest that more effective communication is needed to ensure proper care for diabetic nerve pain. Most physicians surveyed (66%) reported that one of the most commonly cited reasons leading to misdiagnosis is lack of information from their patients. Nearly two-thirds of physicians (62%) believe that tools or guidelines that diabetes patients can use to track diabetic nerve pain would be useful in better diagnosing diabetic nerve pain. The vast majority of physicians (81%) want to find new ways to discuss diabetic nerve pain with their patients. NPF and Lilly have created an educational program to provide patients with the information and vocabulary they need to better communicate with their physicians.

-----

New Survey Shows Most Physicians Believe Diabetes Patients Are Not Receiving Appropriate Care for Diabetic Nerve Pain

Market Wire via NewsEdge Corporation :

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, April 19 / MARKET WIRE/ --

Results from a new survey of more than 600 physicians(i) who treat diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, or diabetic nerve pain, reveal that nearly all (97 percent) believe that the condition is often misdiagnosed. Overall, findings from the survey, sponsored by the National Pain Foundation (NPF) and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), suggest that more effective communication is needed to ensure proper care for diabetic nerve pain.

Additional survey findings show that:

--  Most physicians surveyed (66 percent) reported that one of the most     commonly cited reasons leading to misdiagnosis is lack of information from     their patients --  Nearly two-thirds of physicians (62 percent) believe that tools or     guidelines that diabetes patients can use to track diabetic nerve pain     would be useful in better diagnosing diabetic nerve pain --  The vast majority of physicians (81 percent) want to find new ways to     discuss diabetic nerve pain with their patients     

To achieve these goals, the NPF and Lilly are launching a new educational program called "Talk Beyond Pain: Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain." This program will provide patients who might be suffering from diabetic nerve pain with the information and vocabulary they need to better communicate with their physicians what they are feeling and experiencing. The materials are available for download at www.TalkBeyondPain.com.

Diabetic nerve pain includes painful symptoms, such as burning, stabbing or shooting pain in the feet and legs or hands and arms. The symptoms can make everyday activities like driving and walking challenging, and can cause feelings of frustration, sadness or fatigue.(ii) (iii)

"Unfortunately, there is no single test that can definitively diagnose diabetic nerve pain. Without a comprehensive understanding of what patients are feeling and experiencing, including the painful physical symptoms and their impact on daily living, it can be easy to misdiagnose diabetic nerve pain and prescribe inappropriate or inadequate treatment," explained Dr. Albert Ray, chairman of the board of the National Pain Foundation and medical director of Pain Medicine Solutions in Miami. "The survey findings suggest that these conversations may not be taking place or not occurring frequently enough, and more guidance for achieving better care can make a huge impact on quality of life."

"Talk Beyond Pain: Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain" offers education and tools to help patients who believe they may have diabetic nerve pain initiate conversations with their doctors. The following materials are available:

--  "Talk Beyond Pain: Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain" Educational     Guide:  This guide details the symptoms of diabetic nerve pain, how they     may impact everyday life, as well as ways to manage the nerve pain.  It     also includes worksheets and checklists to help people organize their     thinking prior to a doctor visit so they can have productive conversations     and provide healthcare providers with the information necessary for     appropriate diagnosis. --  "Talk Beyond Pain: Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain" Personal Diary:     This diary helps patients in pain track their symptoms over several weeks,     as well as their overall well-being in connection with their pain.  There     is also a section in the diary dedicated to tracking progress to ensure     people are getting relief from their symptoms with their current treatment     plan.     

"We hope that 'Talk Beyond Pain: Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain' will help to bridge the communication gap between people living with diabetic nerve pain and their physicians, so they can get help and enjoy life again," said Dr. Ray.

The information provided by this program was developed with guidance from the NPF and a group of leading medical experts across different specialties who have come together to form the Partnership for Helping People in Pain. Their goal is to help open the lines of communication between patients and physicians to aid in the diagnosis and treatment process. This partnership began in July 2006 as an initiative between the NPF and Lilly, with discussion surrounding diabetic nerve pain, the most common form of neuropathic pain. Eli Lilly and Company provided both content and financial support to the NPF for this educational campaign.

About Diabetic Nerve Pain

Approximately 5 million people are affected by diabetic nerve pain, however many people at risk are not aware the condition exists.(iv) While the exact cause of diabetic nerve pain is unknown, many factors may be responsible, including high blood sugar, increased weight, smoking, high blood pressure and age older than 40.(v) Though risk increases with age, people with diabetes can develop nerve damage at any time.(vi)

Currently there are no medications that can reverse nerve damage; however, there are medications that can treat the pain associated with diabetic nerve pain. Diabetic nerve pain is not a normal part of aging, and it can affect many facets of a person's life. With the right treatment, diabetic nerve pain can be relieved and kept under control. It's important for people who think they may have diabetic nerve pain to speak with their healthcare provider to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

About the Survey

The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive® on behalf of the NPF and Lilly between September 18 and 22, 2006, among 605 physicians of whom 252 are primary care physicians, 253 neurologists and 100 endocrinologists who see at least one adult diabetes patient in a typical week. Figures for gender, years in practice and region were weighted where necessary to bring the figures into line with their actual proportions in the population.

With a pure probability sample of 605, it could be said with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/-6 percentage points. Sampling error for data from sub-samples would be higher and would vary. However, that does not take other sources of error into account. The online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About the National Pain Foundation

The National Pain Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 1998 for the purposes of providing access to peer-reviewed, unbiased information about pain to the public and increasing public awareness of the inadequate treatment of pain. These goals were based on the premise that trustworthy, credible information would empower persons in pain to seek appropriate and effective treatment and that increasing awareness of the public health problem of inadequately treated pain would improve access to appropriate pain services.

The NPF believes that proper treatment of pain conditions at any stage can restore personal functioning and positively change the direction of a person's life. Pain is a disease that needs to be evaluated and managed as comprehensively as any other disease, as it causes untold suffering for millions and is the leading healthcare cost to businesses and society. The NPF believes that successfully increasing pain awareness and empowering people in pain requires numerous perspectives, countless efforts, and the collaboration of many organizations and individuals.

By providing objective, unbiased information to people in pain, to healthcare providers, to insurers and to employers, the NPF addresses the three primary causes of inadequate treatment for pain -- the lack of credible information, the lack of validation of pain as a significant public health problem and the invisibility of pain. By educating people about pain and by explaining both traditional and alternative approaches to treatment, the NPF empowers patients to take a more active role in their treatment.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers -- through medicines and information -- for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

(i) 605 physicians, including 252 primary care physicians, 253 neurologists and 100 endocrinologists, who see at least one adult diabetes patients in a typical week participated in this survey. Survey participants were unaware that this survey was sponsored by the National Pain Foundation and Eli Lilly and Company.

(ii) Neuropathy-Specific Quality of Life tool [Note: Per correspondence with Dr. Vileikyte, the tool's developer, the UK version is exactly the same as the US version with 1 exception: UK version says "novacaine-like sensations" and US version says "pins and needles."

(iii) Vileikyte L, Peyrot M, Bundy C et al. The development and validation of a neuropathy- and foot ulcer-specific quality of life instrument. Diabetes Care; 26:9; 2549-2555, 2003.

(iv) "American Diabetes Association Survey Finds Most People with Diabetes Don't Know About Highly Prevalent, Serious Complication." Available at http://www.diabetes.org/for-media/2005-press-releases/diabeticneuropathy.jsp. Accessed on October 5, 2005.

(v) National Diabetes Information Clearing House. "Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes." Available at: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies/. Accessed on July 26, 2006.

(vi) National Diabetes Information Clearing House. "Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes." Available at: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies/. Accessed on July 26, 2006.

Lathian Develops Breakthrough Features to Enhance eLearning

Lathian Develops Breakthrough Features to Enhance eLearning

Market Wire via NewsEdge Corporation :

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA, April 18 / MARKET WIRE/ --

Lathian, a leading provider of online interactive marketing and sales solutions for the life sciences industry, today announced the introduction of its new and innovative user interface design. All features of its next generation design are available now and are just one of the ways that Lathian is making brand messages easy to absorb, remember, and act upon.

Lathian anticipates marketplace changes

Lathian recently conducted a survey of frequent viewers of online programs. These healthcare professionals asked for tools that would make learning more efficient and personalized. Lathian responded and is pleased to announce the integration of "non-linear story lines" that it calls Precise Learning. The unique features of Precise Learning provide healthcare professionals the ability to choose their topics of interest or provide the opportunity for brand managers to segment their audience and offer customized messages relevant and specific to multiple segments. As a consequence, the content adapts dynamically to maximize learning throughout the online program. Other enhancements are: "Save My Place" bookmarks that allow participants to jump back in where they left off; and "Continuous Polling" that allows participants to rate each and every topic. The result: the viewer experiences a personalized and compelling session that effects behavioral change -- resulting in greater market share.

Next generation sample features include

--  Messages are dynamically re-ordered to align with a physician's stated     goals of treatment. The way in which a participant answers an assessment     question determines which topics are presented next, or even if a topic is     added or omitted.  --  Brand managers may specify that additional clinical trial results be     shown to pediatricians, but not to primary care physicians.     

Usability puts the customer at the center of design

Clarify communications. Simplify the experience. Utilize common sense technology to enrich the experience. Lathian makes the eLearning experience as straightforward as possible through a set of usability features in its content design. These enhancements enable the healthcare professional to experience a personalized learning session, which is the most effective way to engage participants, allow learning to occur, and ultimately to change behavior.

"We are pleased to introduce these innovative features," said V. Brewster Jones, CEO of Lathian. "Convenience and ease of use are vital to online communication with all healthcare professionals. Lathian continues to be a pioneer in creating next generation tools to support effective online communication and continuous learning."

About Lathian

Lathian makes medical marketing more effective and more profitable for life sciences companies. The company's innovative online promotional and educational solutions help life sciences companies improve customer relationships, enhance product education, and increase sales. Lathian has led the way in creating effective eLearning and ePromotion campaigns since 2000. The company has worked with over 100 leading life sciences brands across more than 60 therapeutic categories and dozens of specialties, and has a network of healthcare professionals exceeding 500,000.

Please call Barbara Dowling, Senior VP, Sales and Service, at 610.832.2302, or send email to bdowling@lathian.com, to find out about these new features and Lathian's innovative Spectrum of Solutions. You can also learn more about Lathian by visiting www.Lathian.com.

Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine

Media Contact:

Joe DeBelle

Senior Director, Marketing

Lathian Systems, Inc.

Email Contact

610-832-2305

ASK.com Announces Online Initiative for the Black Community

IAC Announces Online Initiative for the Black Community

Appoints Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. CEO

NEW YORK - April 18, 2007 - IAC (Nasdaq: IACI) announced today that it will launch an online destination for the Black community featuring topical content, relevant services and a platform for community interaction. Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. has been appointed CEO of the initiative, which is scheduled to launch in January 2008 and will be based in Charlotte, NC.

The yet-to-be-named site aims to bring the best the Web has to offer to the U.S. Black population, specifically catering to the community‘s distinct needs and interests. It will be part of IAC Programming, created in 2006 to grow branded online content properties that engage passionate communities.

“There exists enormous opportunity in today’s online landscape to provide Blacks with an experience that engages their unique communities through a collective voice,” said Mr. Taylor. “There are 40 million African Americans in the U.S., and we estimate an additional 20 million Blacks from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. IAC – with its superior technology, operational expertise and more than 60 brands – is poised to provide exceptional content and services for this growing and underserved population.”

Michael Jackson, President of IAC Programming, said, “Johnny has superb experience in talent acquisition and an exceptional track record in business strategy and execution. He is also a passionate advocate and leader for the Black community. With his intelligence, business acumen, and people skills, Johnny is the best person to launch this important Programming initiative – the first ethnically focused property in the IAC family of brands.”

For the past year, Mr. Taylor has served as IAC’s SVP of Human Resources in New York.  Previously he was SVP of Human Resources at LendingTree, an operating company of IAC.  Before joining LendingTree, Mr. Taylor was President of McGuireWoods HR Strategies LLC, and served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Compass Group USA, Inc. Mr. Taylor also spent more than eight years in senior executive human resources and legal positions with Viacom subsidiaries Blockbuster Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.

About IAC
IAC is an interactive conglomerate operating more than 60 diversified brands in sectors being transformed by the internet, online and offline... our mission is to harness the power of interactivity to make daily life easier and more productive for people all over the world. To learn more about IAC please visit http://iac.com .